Winter is the time for snowy landscapes, hot cocoa and flannel PJs, but for some 'tis the season for tooth trouble. What can you do to keep your teeth from becoming a pain this winter?
Tackle tooth sensitivity. Does crisp winter air on your teeth give you a jolt? A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 1 in 8 people (over 12%) suffer from tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold. Sensitivity can result from receding gums, erosion of tooth enamel, tooth decay or other dental problems. If you experience tooth sensitivity, use toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth and breathe through your nose to protect your teeth from extreme cold. Most importantly, schedule a dental exam to determine why your teeth are sensitive.
Stay hydrated. In winter, we spend more time with the heat on and we tend to drink less water. A dry mouth can result, which can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Staying well hydrated keeps your gums and teeth moist and helps you produce more saliva, which is key to good oral health and fresh breath. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria, neutralize decay-causing acid and repair weakened tooth enamel. For healthy teeth and gums, be sure to drink plenty of water this winter.
Safeguard your teeth on the slopes. Are you planning to hit the slopes this winter? Be sure to wear a mouthguard to help protect against injury. Beginning skiers and snowboarders are more likely to suffer falls that could result in dental injuries, while experts may fly over bumps and jumps, causing the upper and lower teeth to knock together with force. Even backyard sledders are at risk of dental injury. Mouthguards help protect against chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth as well as soft tissue damage. So before you enjoy wintertime sports, make sure your teeth are protected. For the best fit and comfort, ask us about a custom mouthguard.
If you have questions about these or other dental issues, please contact us or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity” and “Dry Mouth.”
Comments:
Hyannis Dental Associates
Hyannis, MA
Patient Education
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (77)
- orthodontic treatment (5)
- cosmetic dentistry (25)
- smile makeover (10)
- dental implant (4)
- veneers (4)
- dental crowns (1)
- orthodontics (5)
- braces (7)
- clear aligners (2)
- dental emergencies (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- oral hygiene (18)
- tooth decay (10)
- oral health (23)
- pregnancy (2)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implants (13)
- x-rays (2)
- sealants (1)
- pediatric dentistry (11)
- fluoride (3)
- bleeding gums (1)
- periodontal disease (6)
- gum disease (10)
- oral sedation (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- sleep apnea (1)
- teeth whitening (5)
- dentures (2)
- toothache (3)
- pediatric care (2)
- plastic surgery (1)
- gum recession (1)
- floss (1)
- bruxism (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- blood pressure (1)
- bridge (2)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- herbal remedy (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- root canal (1)
- endodontics (1)
- water (1)
- nutrition (1)
- jaw pain (3)
- tmj (2)
- tmd (2)
- accessory root canals (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- oral surgery (1)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- partial denture (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- tooth grinding (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- bonding (1)
- bad breath (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- crowns (4)
- dental anxiety (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- smile design (2)
- cold sore (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- teeth wear (1)
- retainers (1)
- mouthguards (3)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (3)
- mouthguard (1)
- dental exam (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- thumb sucking (1)
- plaque (1)
- teething (1)
- oral heath (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- diabetes (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- extraction (1)
- local anesthesia (1)
